Context:
The Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project (1,750 MW) on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh has received an 11-year extension of its Environmental Clearance (EC) until 2037, despite earlier legal challenges and environmental concerns.
Key Highlights:
Project Details
- The Demwe Lower Project is a 1,750 MW hydropower project planned on the Lohit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.
- It involves construction of a 162.12-meter-high concrete gravity dam.
Environmental and Land Impact
- The project will involve:
- Diversion of about 1,416 hectares of forest land
- Submergence of approximately 1,589.97 hectares of land
Extension of Environmental Clearance
- The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) granted the extension.
- The extension was justified by counting time lost in litigation as a “zero period” based on an October 2025 Office Memorandum (OM).
Litigation History
- The project faced multiple legal challenges.
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) earlier set aside its wildlife clearance, citing possible impacts on Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam.
Ecological Concerns
- The Lohit River basin and Kamlang Tiger Reserve host important biodiversity.
- The region is a critical habitat for the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron.
- Environmental experts argue that biodiversity concerns were not adequately discussed during the January 2026 review meeting.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Environmental Clearance (EC)
- A regulatory approval required for projects with potential environmental impacts.
- Issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC)
- A committee that evaluates environmental impacts of development projects before granting clearance.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- A specialized judicial body established in 2010 to handle environmental disputes and enforcement of environmental laws.
- Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
- Located in Assam.
- Known for riverine ecosystems and rare bird species, including the White-Bellied Heron.
Relevant Mains Points:
Development vs Environmental Conservation
- Hydropower projects provide renewable energy and regional development.
- However, large dams can lead to:
- Deforestation
- Habitat loss
- Displacement of local communities
- Alteration of river ecosystems
Governance Issues
- The extension raises questions about transparency in environmental approvals.
- Counting litigation time as “zero period” may weaken environmental safeguards.
Ecological Importance of the Eastern Himalayas
- The region is a global biodiversity hotspot.
- It supports rare species, fragile ecosystems, and indigenous communities.
Way Forward
- Conduct comprehensive biodiversity assessments before project implementation.
- Strengthen environmental governance and monitoring mechanisms.
- Promote sustainable hydropower planning with ecological safeguards.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper 3: Environmental Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Conservation
- GS Paper 2: Environmental Governance and Regulatory Institutions